FIELD NOTES

Illustrating organisms I encounter in the field is how I connect to my research and the captivating natural world around us. Generating visual images, notes, and questions while conducting research is my favorite way to process the world, and it is especially joyous when the line between creating art and doing science is blurred.

Observations of organisms and beginning illustrations are made in the field, then more details are often added later upon further study and exploration. Many illustrations are the beginnings of larger fine art pieces.

NAUTILUS LIVE + OCEAN EXPLORATION TRUST

“How do artists observe and document the world around them? Follow along with our expeditions in a new way and join artist Catie Michel as she explains how she sketches field notes while watching Nautilus Live. Good note taking skills help explorers remember what they see and develop future observation of the world. Asking questions and documenting observations are key parts of research, science, and art, and this 7-minute overview featuring our encounter with the magnificent gulper eel can jumpstart your own curiosity and creativity.”

BOTANICAL STUDIES

BAHÍA DE LOS ÁNGELES, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Field notes collected in association with Cuesta College and Estación del Mar Cortés.